Family meals among parents: Associations with nutritional, social and emotional wellbeing

Highlights

• Approximately 50% of parents report frequent family meals

• Frequent family meals was associated with better mental health of parents

• Family meals were associated with parents eating more fruit and vegetables

• Relationships with wellbeing indicators were similar for mothers and fathers

Abstract

A growing body of research suggests that children and adolescents who share frequent meals with their families report better nutrition indicators, family relationships and mental health. Yet, little research has examined whether parents who share meals with their families report the same indicators of wellbeing. The current paper addresses this question using population-based survey data and a sample of parents in the United States (n = 889, mean age 31 years) that responded to the fourth wave of the Project EAT study in 2015–16. Multiple regression models were used to examine associations between frequency of family meals and indicators of nutritional, social and emotional wellbeing, controlling for demographic and household characteristics. Analyses also examined if associations were moderated by sex, as mothers tend to be more responsible for household and childcare tasks. Results suggested that parent report of frequent family meals was associated with higher levels of family functioning, greater self-esteem, and lower levels of depressive symptoms and stress (p-value for all <0.001). Frequency of family meals was also related to greater fruit and vegetable consumption (both p < 0.05), but was unrelated to other indicators of parent body size and nutritional wellbeing. Associations between frequency of family meals and parent wellbeing were similar for both mothers and fathers. Findings from the current study suggest that frequent family meals may contribute to the social and emotional wellbeing of parents. Future strategies to promote family meals should consider the potential impacts on the health and wellbeing of the whole family.

Introduction

A growing body of research suggests that frequent family meals support the healthy development of children and young people (Fulkerson et al., 2014; Harrison et al., 2015; Skeer and Ballard, 2013). Family meals are opportunities for families to prepare and share healthy foods. Children and young people who frequently share meals with their families report better nutrition and eating behaviors like eating more vegetables and less fast food (Berge et al., 2016; Fulkerson et al., 2009; Larson et al., 2006; Utter et al., 2013a).

Family meals also provide opportunities for communication, sharing of values and family bonding. Research suggests that adolescents who have frequent family meals report greater family connection and parental monitoring and communication (Elgar et al., 2013; Utter et al., 2013b; Fulkerson et al., 2010). These findings may explain, in part, existing evidence that suggests family meals are protective against adolescent participation in health risk behaviors and promote emotional wellbeing (Elgar et al., 2013; Utter et al., 2013b; Franko et al., 2008; Fulkerson et al., 2006; Utter et al., 2017).

Less is known about the potential nutritional, social and emotional benefits of family meals for parents. Findings from a nationally representative survey in the US found a small, but significant, association between frequent family meals and lower body mass index among parents (Sobal and Hanson, 2011). Another study conducted by our research team found that parents who had frequent family meals ate more fruits and vegetables, fathers ate less fast food, and mothers engaged in fewer dieting behaviors (Berge et al., 2012a). Particularly little research has explored the social and emotional benefits of family meals for parents. As noted above, family meals provide opportunities for family communication and positive engagement. For parents, this may be a useful opportunity to discuss family issues, allocate household jobs or simply engage with family members in a positive way. As such, it is possible that frequent family meals may promote social and emotional wellbeing for parents, as well as children.

It is alternatively possible that frequent family meals come at a cost to parent wellbeing and increase stress, as preparing meals requires time and resources that many parents may not have. This may be particularly true for mothers as women still spend more time doing housework and child care than men (Parker and Wang, 2013). Moreover, more than half of mothers say they find it difficult to balance work and family life (Parker and Wang, 2013). Reducing time spent in preparing meals may be one strategy mothers use to cope (Devine et al., 2006; Horning et al., 2017). Adults who are employed spend less time on home food preparation and place a higher value on convenience foods (Monsivais et al., 2014).

The aim of the current study is to expand what is already known about the relationship between family meals and the health and wellbeing of parents. Specifically, the current research will explore associations between family meals and parental indicators of nutritional, social and psychosocial wellbeing. As women assume more responsibility for household chores, such as meal preparation, the current analyses will also examine whether the associations between family meals and nutritional, social and emotional wellbeing vary by parent sex.